Everyone online makes bookkeeping platforms sound like a magic fix: low cost, hands-off, done-for-you. But here’s the truth—I see creatives pick a platform too fast (or switch too late) and end up with messy categorization, limited data ownership, and zero strategic insight. In this episode of Creative Minds, Smart Money, I break down how to choose between a bookkeeping platform vs. a bookkeeper, when to switch, and how to keep your bookkeeping data portable no matter what you pick. I walk through the real trade-offs between popular platform bookkeeping options—Bench, Collective, Pilot, Xendoo, inDinero, Paro, KPMG Spark—and hiring a dedicated bookkeeper for creatives who knows your business inside and out. You’ll leave with a simple decision rubric to evaluate scope, continuity, and bookkeeping migration concerns, so your numbers actually help you make decisions. In this episode, I cover: Platform bookkeeping vs. dedicated bookkeeper—what you’re truly buying (beyond “my books are done”) How your business model (offers, payment processors like Stripe/Square/ThriveCart, sales tax, payroll) changes the answer Data ownership & portability: set up your stack so you’re never stuck if you switch (think QuickBooks or Xero access, exports, reporting) Continuity & context: why a single point of contact can prevent rework and errors as you grow Red flags it’s time to switch: multiple revenue streams, contractors, inventory, or new growth plans Questions to ask before choosing (scope, SLAs, cleanup policies, reporting, migration/export options) A quick decision rubric to pick your best-fit today—and revisit in 6–12 months If you’ve wondered whether a platform or a person is the smarter move for your stage, this episode gives you a clear, no-BS way to decide—without pressure, panic, or FOMO. 🎧 Hit play now and find your best-fit bookkeeping support—so your numbers actually help you run the business. Resources & Links Website: https://firestormfinance.com/ Podcast Home: https://firestormfinance.com/podcast/ Book a Discovery Call (primary CTA): https://firestormfinance.com/contact Listen & Subscribe (secondary CTA): Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-minds-smart-money-finance-business-tips-for/id1751025388 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2m2SRDIAEjeWSXOgKS4Ff4 Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firestormfinance Threads: https://www.threads.com/@firestormfinance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-e-8796b6176/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firestormfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirestormFinance Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/firestormfinance/